Vehicle Door Lock Interface Device Bypassing Sliding Window
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for mechanically coupling locks and remote locks in vehicles with sliding windows, especially when the lock is offset and the rear edge of the window is close to the rear wall, face issues such as significant deflections, noise generation, and inefficiency due to the use of rods, gimbals, or gears, which limit their effectiveness and suitability.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a first wheel coupled to the lock, a second wheel with a cable, a first transfer pinion, and a shaft that extends around the window, allowing for actuation of the lock with minimal deformation and noise, and enabling the lock to be offset without obstructing the sliding window, even when it is close to the rear wall.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid rod is used to couple the lock and remote lock, then the mechanical coupling is strong, but the device requires large volume and causes significant deflections
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid rod is segmented into multiple rod subparts connected by articulation joints, allowing the mechanism to achieve the necessary coupling strength while reducing the overall volume requirement and enabling adaptation to tight spaces between the window and door box
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid rod is transformed into a dynamic articulated mechanism that can adapt its configuration based on the available space and window position, maintaining mechanical coupling strength while accommodating variable volume constraints
2Strength
If a rigid rod is used to couple the lock and remote lock, then the mechanical coupling is strong, but the rod deformation increases locking/unlocking stroke length
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the rod into rigid subparts connected by articulation joints, the mechanism maintains high mechanical coupling strength in each segment while the articulated connections accommodate movements without excessive deformation, preserving locking/unlocking stroke length and operational efficiency
3Strength
If a rigid rod is used to couple the lock and remote lock, then the mechanical coupling is strong, but vibrations generate unpleasant noises
Solution Approach 1:
Segmenting the rod into rigid subparts with articulation joints creates multiple connection points that can independently absorb and dampen vibrations, reducing the transmission of vibrational noise while maintaining overall mechanical coupling strength
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated mechanism provides dynamic adaptation to vibrations, allowing the joints to flex and absorb vibrational energy rather than transmitting it rigidly, thereby reducing noise generation while preserving coupling strength
4Reliability
If a gimbal is used to couple the lock and remote lock, then picking resistance is improved, but the device obstructs the sliding window when the rear edge is close to the rear wall
Solution Approach 1:
The gimbal is segmented into multiple smaller articulation joints distributed along the rod subparts, maintaining the picking resistance benefits of the gimbal mechanism while reducing the overall volume and allowing operation in tighter spaces near the window
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated mechanism provides dynamic adaptability, allowing the coupling device to conform to the available space and window position, reducing obstruction while maintaining the security benefits of gimbal-based picking resistance
5Shape
If multiple pinions are used to increase vertical offset, then the offset capability is improved, but the efficiency decreases and it cannot handle significant transverse offset
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism transitions from relying solely on multiple pinions for offset to using an articulated rod structure that can accommodate offset in multiple dimensions (vertical, horizontal, and transverse) simultaneously, maintaining efficiency while providing comprehensive offset capability
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution allows for reliable and quiet operation with minimal deformation, enabling effective locking/unlocking without obstructing the sliding window, even in tight spaces, and maintains efficiency by using a bypass mechanism that adapts to various window positions.
Implementation Method 1
a first wheel (R1) able to be coupled in rotation to the lock and to which is coupled at least one cable (CBi)
Implementation Method 2
a first transfer pinion (PT1) coupled in rotation to the second wheel (R2), and a shaft (AR) intended to circumvent the window (VT)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A device (D) acts as an interface between a bolt (VR) and a lock (SR) which is offset transversely in a vehicle door (PV) comprising a box section (CP) in which a window (VT) can slide. This device (D) comprises a first wheel (R1), coupled in rotation to the bolt (VR) and to which a cable (CB1) is coupled, a second wheel (R2) to which the cable (CB1) is coupled, a first transfer pinion (PT1) rotationally coupled to the second wheel (R2) and a shaft (AR) that bypasses the window (VT) whatever its position in the box section (CP), and comprises a first end equipped with a second transfer pinion (PT2) meshing with the first transfer pinion (PT1) and a second end coupled to the lock (SR) so as to operate the latter when it is turned.